I had stepped into the Matthew Good Band because of the Stateside release of their popular (in Canada) "Beautiful Midnight". The incredible rock populated with Matt's presence both vocally and lyrically really left me without a clue as to where their following albums would go. Because of Matt's intentionally poor presence in the US, I didn't pick up on this album until a few months before Avalanche came out in early 2003, both of which (and all subsequent albums since then) I've had to import.
The album art sort of takes you off-guard, but that's merely the beginning. Page after page reveals colorful science book illustrations of various scientific concepts, such as Earth's core structure and as the cover reveals, the water cycle. These first few pages, a far cry from the generic garage band-style photos of "Beautiful Midnight" represent the point of no return: the beginning of Matthew Good's subsequent era in music.
Before working on this album, Matt underwent vocal cord surgery and recovered slowly in a hotel in Whistler, BC, while taking prescription painkillers. It was here where he wrote the twisted lyrics that would eventually see the light. He swore off smoking and adopted some incredible production values. His new soaring vocals and new backup choirs almost disarm you from beginning to end.
More of a "follow the white rabbit" than anything, this musical journey pushes you in and out of what is truly a terrifying and melancholy experience. "Advertising on Police Cars", "Tripoli" and "Under the Influence" only cement the demented pathway that this album ferries you along.
After a thorough listen, you'll experience a thorough paradigm shift of Matthew Good's musicology that becomes his trademark in all subsequent albums. The harder-rocking tracks almost exist as an obligation so you don't drown in the murk. And while none of them provide the same hits that, say "Hello Time Bomb" did on "Beautiful Midnight", that's really not what you're here for. A track that could've potentially filled that role, "Pony Boy" was released as a B-side and was also put on the "In A Coma" compilation. It's easy to see why it didn't fit.
While not as trendy as their previous albums, you can see Matt really wanted to get out on his own as this was the last effort of the Matthew Good Band before their dissolution. The next few albums serve as an almost pure siphon of Matthew Good-ness (yuckle!). If you start with Matthew Good solo, this is where he started. If you start with Matthew Good band, this is where it ends.
A fantastic crossroads for one of the greatest musicians in play today.